At School
"Eh? Why is no one here?"
Wal stood alone in the empty school corridor.
A janitor passed by lazily.
"It's Saturday, kid. Holiday."
"…What?!"
Groaning, Wal walked out of the school gate—
THUD.
A paper wall slapped straight into his face.
"Ow—what the—?"
He peeled it off slowly.
The Night
Lights exploded into color.
Music echoed through the massive tent as clowns danced and laughed unnaturally. Wal sat among the crowd, eyes wide, childlike excitement returning to him.
One clown caught his attention.
White face. Black eyes.
The clown's smile didn't feel human.
"…I'll just go home after this," Wal whispered.
The lights dimmed.
"Hello!" the ringmaster announced. "Welcome, everyone who visited us!"
Another clown jumped forward.
"Ring ring! Bingo! Those who came here are the lucky customers! We are going to show—or give—you a special gift!"
Wal's eyes sparkled.
"Gift?"
Then he smiled.
"Yeah. I want it. I'll wait."
A deep voice spoke from behind him.
"Gift, huh?"
Wal froze.
"I didn't expect them to be this cunning."
Slowly, Wal turned around.
A tall man stood there.
Long black hair. Calm eyes. Black outfit.
And earrings that reflected the circus lights.
The man from before.
He looked straight at Wal—and for a split second, the noise vanished.
Something bad was about to begin.